Research conducted by scientists from Laval University shows that physical activity and comfortable living conditions can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing depression by supporting the brain's protective barrier. These results were published in the journal Nature Communications (NC), as reported by Lenta.ru.
Experiments demonstrated that chronic stress negatively affects the blood-brain barrier—a mechanism that prevents inflammatory molecules from entering the brain. Mice subjected to prolonged stress showed a decrease in the level of the protein claudin-5, which is responsible for "holding together" the barrier cells, leading to the emergence of anxious and depressive behavior. At the same time, those animals that had the opportunity to be physically active or were in a rich environment with shelters and toys exhibited these problems much less frequently.
The protein Fgf2 played a key role in protection against stress. In mice that were actively engaged in physical activity or were in a stimulating environment, the level of this protein increased, contributing to their resilience to stressful situations. When scientists artificially raised the level of Fgf2, the animals coped with stress more easily and maintained social activity; when the level of this protein decreased, the effectiveness of physical exercise significantly diminished.
Researchers also established that Fgf2 can be detected in the blood, and its level in humans increases with the severity of depression. This discovery makes the protein a potential biomarker for diagnosing mental disorders, representing an important step for psychiatry. According to the authors, the study's results not only confirm the importance of physical activity and a comfortable environment for mental health but also open new horizons for the early detection and prevention of depression.
Previous studies have shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of premature death.
